Preparations are currently in full gear for 3HC's 2004 Wings! Camp for Grieving Children. From Aug. 20th through August 22nd approximately 30 children from all over eastern North Carolina will arrive at Woodmen of the World Camp in Dover, NC to take part in a camp designed to assist children through the grieving process. Campers are between the ages of 8 and 18 and are not restricted to families served by 3HC - any child with a grieving heart is eligible.

During camp, children from eastern North Carolina are given the opportunity to express their feelings and emotions concerning the death of a family member, role model, friend, or any other loss of a loved one. Children have so little life experience that moving through the grief process can be extremely difficult and have lifelong consequences. Wings! teaches coping skills which aid in this journey and will continue to help throughout adulthood.

Grief-related activities are conducted in small groups led by trained counselors. Children are encouraged to express themselves through arts and crafts. Other activities include singing, journaling, large group sharing, swimming, and lots of play to balance off the day. Campers have the opportunity to:

		Make new friends with others also experiencing a loss
		Find creative ways to express their feelings
		Experience comfort and encouragement from peers
		Have some fun and laughter

3HC Hospice staff and volunteers supervise the camp. These generous individuals are specially trained to work with children who have lost loved ones.

We are currently accepting referrals for both campers and volunteers for Wings! If you are aware of any children in your family or community who would benefit from attending Wings!, or if you feel called to volunteer at camp, please contact our corporate office, (800) 260-4442, and leave your name and phone number with the receptionist. A camp representative will be in touch.

You may also print the Wings pre-registration form. Please complete the form and mail it back to 3HC. A camp representative will be in touch with you to provide more information and to mail a full application for your child or ward. The pre-registration deadline is July 22, 2004.

The cost of attending camp is only $25 for the entire weekend. Scholarships are available and are determined on a case-by-case basis. Each camper and legal guardian must attend a one-hour camp orientation meeting on Sunday, August 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to be eligible to attend camp.

For more information, please call (800) 260-4442 or write: